A scene from 'Argo' / Claire Folger, AP

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

But Carter, who was president during the Iranian hostage rescue described in the film, did take issue with the accuracy of Ben Affleck's hit movie.

"Let me say, first of all, it's a great drama, and I hope it gets the Academy Award for best film because I think it deserves it," Carter told CNN's Piers Morgan.

But, the ex-president added, most of the credit for the 1980 rescue of six Americans who had been shielded in Tehran by the Canadian embassy belongs to the Canadians themselves.

"The other thing that I would say was that 90% of the contributions to the ideas and the consummation of the plan was Canadian," Carter said. "And the movie gives almost full credit to the American CIA. And with that exception, the movie is very good."

Argo is considered a favorite for Best Picture when the Academy Awards are handed out Sunday night.